BMW responds to Lexus challenge with new engine

BMW in Germany has announced a new and more powerful 3.0 litre engine in-line six-cylinder engine to replace the 2.8-litre engine in both the 3 Series and Z3 models from July.

30 April 2000Bob Jennings

BMW in Germany has announced a new and more powerful 3.0 litre engine in-line six-cylinder engine to replace the 2.8-litre engine in both the 3 Series and Z3 models from July.

This will answer the challenge likely to be posed by the introduction of the Lexus IS300, whose 3.0-litre, in-line six will develop 160kW.

The new 3 Series model will be called the 330i, and its engine is claimed to produce 20 per cent more power than the one it replaces (172kW versus 144kW and substantially more torque.

It says 90 per cent of the torque is delivered at just 1,500 rpm, giving significantly improved performance over the 2.8, which in turn was not slow.

The same engine will replace the 2.8 in the Z3 range as well.

The 330Ci Coupe is claimed to accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 6.5 sec. (328Ci 7.0 sec.), while the IS300 is claimed to reach the same speed in 7.1sec.

The 330Ci Convertible will join the new 323Ci Convertible, which will go into production this month.

In the BMW Z3 Roadster, the new 3.0-litre engine gives the two-seater improved performance, with claimed acceleration to 100km/h in 6.0 sec.

BMW's five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission will also be available for the first time in the Z3 with this engine.

It can be used as an adaptive automatic transmission, with a choice of modes, or as a clutch-less, sequential manual.

BMW says that the new engine will also be available in the new X5 - BMW's first four-wheel drive "sports activity vehicle" next year, following the right-hand-drive launch of the flagship 4.4-litre V8 X5 model in the third quarter of this year.

Fuel consumption for the new engine is claimed to be a match for the outgoing 2.8-litre unit and it meets all future anticipated emissions targets in Europe and the US.

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